Baseball prospects can face daily grind once they are taken in draft

Former West Orange outfielder Mason Williams says baseball is 'a full-time job' once a player signs after the draft.

June 5, 2011|By Stephanie Kuzydym

On the last day that Major League Baseball teams were allowed to sign draft picks last year, Mason Williams' phone rang.

His agent was on the other end, congratulating him on joining the New York Yankees' organization.

The next day, Williams — a fourth-round pick from West Orange — was gone from his home. The outfielder had medical tests to take and a roommate to meet. It was almost like a college experience, except Williams had a signing bonus.

"When I got out and settled in, I took a deep breath, and I was like, 'This is it. I'm here now,' " Williams said.

When the three-day baseball draft begins Monday, some Central Florida high school prospects could be saying the same thing. Whether it is Montverde Academy shortstop Francisco Lindor, Hagerty catcher Tyler Marlette, Deltona shortstop Jack Lopez or another prep standout, it will be a fun time.

If they decide to go pro, though, it will be a job and require adjustments. Being away from home, likely for the first time. Managing free time. Not having someone to cook your meals or telling you to get your rest.

"It's a full-time job,'' Williams said. "It's definitely a grind.''

Said former Oviedo right-hander A.J. Cole, selected in the fourth round last year by the Washington Nationals: "You make mistakes. You learn. You just have to figure things out. You have the older kids you can look up to and talk to them about stuff.''

Cole is 0-4 with a 3.38 ERA entering a start Sunday for Class A Hagerstown, Md. He has struck out 23 in 21 1/3 innings.

Cole bypassed playing baseball for the University of Miami to accept a $2 million signing bonus, reportedly the highest ever given a pick in the fourth round, from the Nationals. Cole said practices, games and long bus rides — in his case, in the South Atlantic League — can wear on you.

"You just have to keep playing and do what you have to do," Cole said.

Williams, who played briefly with the Gulf Coast League Yankees last year, is expected to be assigned to Staten Island of the short-season New York-Penn League. That season will begin June 17.

Over the past year, Williams has practiced and had games from 9-4 every day, except Sunday.

"On Sundays, we basically chill out," Williams said. "Our bodies are kind of dead, so we just hang out and let our bodies recover."

Agent David Meter, who is based in Central Florida and represents baseball players, said draft picks normally are used to the changes in lifestyle their selections bring.

"Some have spent time traveling around," Meter said. "They're used to being away from home. Others aren't.

"I just try to tell them about getting their rest and staying focused. Don't get too up. Don't get too down. Try to stay in that middle ground, because there will be some good times and there will be some bad times.''

Cole said it is important for draftees to remember they are not alone as their pro journey begins.

"My parents are still there if I need them,'' Cole said. "They're so far away, but I can still call them up and talk to them if I want."